Activity Specialist - Music

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To create, implement, and facilitate age-appropriate music activities for school-aged participants as part of a multidisciplinary team.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to

Designing age-appropriate, standards-based music curricula for groups of elementary age youth in afterschool and summer programs
Designing activities that promote teamwork, communication, and experimentation in large and small group settings
Utilize thoughtful group-management skills (restorative processes instead of punitive discipline) in a non-traditional classroom setting
Providing weekly instruction in vocal music and composition, and leading weekly activities for youth of all ages
Incorporating the NYS Learning Standards for the Arts and the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards for English Language Arts into the music curriculum
Submit lesson plans for all music activities on a weekly basis
Attend, supervise, and facilitate activities with participants on fieldtrips and off-site locations around NYC
Collaborating with participants to compose and perform songs and musical arrangements showcased in performances for the program, school, and/or community
Planning and collaborating with colleagues to produce program-wide performance
Contribute to the planning and execution of special events, staff development training, and other community building activities
Supporting the overall program through additional tasks that allow for efficient and safe operation and successful special events for participants and families (i.e. supervision of snack time, lunch, and mealtime, dismissal, set up and breakdown of special events, and more).
Attend weekly professional development meetings
Demonstrated ability to maintain a high energy level
Adhere to all agency and NYC Public School policies, including dress code which requires a CFL T-shirt (provided) and clothing/shoes that allow you to move comfortably

II. QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Degree minimum requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
Demonstrable strong vocal music instruction background
Skilled in piano and/or guitar accompaniment
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Skilled in working with youth of all ages
Flexible and possesses the ability to work well as a member of a team of different disciplines (artists, teachers, young-adult staff)
Interested in creating positive experiences for groups of youth, including participants with special needs and challenging behaviors
Bilingual: English/Mandarin/Cantonese or English/Spanish, preferred
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and medical clearance, which will be conducted after a conditional offer is made and accepted.

III. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

Build and maintain positive working relationships and daily interactions with participants, volunteers, co-workers, and supervisors
Be willing to fully engage in all professional development spaces, including staff meetings and individual meetings with supervisor
Be willing to give and receive feedback from supervisors, colleagues, students, and other school stakeholders in a constructive and respectful manner
Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.
Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change
Forge a mutually respectful partnership with the people served and their families.
Be willing to reflect on and expand understandings of authority, boundaries, positionality, and conflict resolution

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

Actively engage and interact with children each day
Will be required to be active by walking, bending, standing, squatting or sitting on the floor with children
May be exposed to all weather conditions and might be required to work in various temperatures in order to facilitate activities in various locations inside and outside of the school building

VI. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Music Activity Specialist’s role focuses on creating, facilitating, and offering school-aged children the opportunity to engage in music activities and experiences.

VII. SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE 2026-2027 (Role begins early September)

20-24 hours per week
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 2pm to 6pm; Individual schedule assigned by supervisor depending on program needs.
One afternoon meeting and one evening meeting, to be scheduled
Occasional holiday camps, extended professional development days, must attend CFL Agency Wide Retreat
Timeframe: September 2026 – June 2027